Player Updates

Almonte has a 2.84 ERA in 19 innings of work at the big-league level over the last two seasons. He'll take the roster spot vacated by Tyler Anderson, who was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move.

Almonte was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

Almonte tossed 1.2 scoreless frames in his last appearance Friday against the Giants, but he'll head to Triple-A along with Yonathan Daza following this latest announcement. In corresponding moves, Drew Butera and Noel Cuevas were promoted to the big-league team.

Almonte made 14 appearances out of the bullpen with the Rockies last season and pitched well with a 1.84 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 14:4 K:BB over 14.2 innings. The 24-year-old struck out the side in his lone appearance with Albuquerque this season.

Almonte is being considered a full-time reliever heading into the season, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Almonte spent time as both a starter and a reliever in the minors last season, producing a 5.56 ERA in 43 frames for Triple-A Albuquerque. However, he shined in the majors, allowing just three earned runs in 14.2 innings of work for a sparkling 1.84 ERA. His 3.00 FIP suggests he was a bit lucky, however, and there are other long relief options to compete against as well, including Chris Rusin, Harrison Musgrave and potentially even Chad Bettis, Antonio Senzatela or Jeff Hoffman if they aren't used in the rotation.